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While all businesses rely on the internet to help them advance their objectives and promote their products and services, small businesses, in particular, absolutely must have a web-based presence to compete with their larger counterparts. Below, we share some things to consider for your online presence.

Website

While it goes without saying that all businesses need websites these days, according to Forbes, the type of website you need will vary based on your particular type of entity. For example, if you sell products online, you’ll need a shopping cart function, as well as the bandwidth to post high-resolution photos of products or product demo videos. Don’t forget about security measures to protect customer data. 

You’ll also need someone on staff with good writing skills that can help your content pop. Well-written content is a must-have for search engine optimization (SEO). Websites that focus on creative services should have a creative-looking design. Regardless of your business, your site should be reflective of your brand and be polished and professional in all ways, and Daniel Swanick can help you create a beautiful and optimized website. 

Social Media Presence

Just as a website is vital to your business’s online presence, involvement in social media is also critical. According to the Digital Marketing Institute, in addition to serving as a vehicle for customers to connect with you, regularly posting on popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Snapchat can provide a cost-effective way to put your products and services in front of consumers. 

It also creates an opportunity to showcase your company and interact with customers in real time. If you don’t have the time or skill set to run a social media marketing campaign, consider hiring a freelancer to do it for you, or to teach you some basic tips and tricks for marketing your products and services. You can find a specialized marketing consultant through freelance job boards and choose a candidate based on their rate, reviews, and experience.

Email Campaigns

Email campaigns are a cost-effective way to stay in front of your customers. It is also the method most preferred by customers for brand communication. Whether you distribute an E-newsletter or use an email platform as a way to promote products and services, introduce news and events, or otherwise stay connected with consumers, an email-based campaign can help you stay competitive. 

You can also use email correspondence to build links to your website, products and services, coupons, surveys, or your social media, allowing you to connect all of your online presence and reinforce your brand. Platforms like Constant Contact, Mail Chimp, or Salesforce Marketing Cloud can aid in this effort.

Online Professional Development

In addition to utilizing the web to boost your business, you can also use online offerings for educational purposes and professional development opportunities. Whether you use online platforms to learn simple things, like how to give a great PowerPoint presentation, or you take things to the next level and work toward an online degree, like a master’s in business administration, online learning fits with any schedule and allows you to work from the location of your choice. 

With enhanced skills and knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to take your business to new levels. You can also offer your employees professional development opportunities. This is a great retention tool, and it will give them new skills that can help grow your company.

It’s essential for businesses of all sizes to be visible and actively engaged on the World Wide Web. Not only is this a professional expectation, but it also allows you to expand your business presence to a global audience. If you don’t have the time to handle these key functions on your own, it’s well worth hiring a professional, whether it’s an independent contractor or an advertising or marketing agency to help you get established.